State of the Statehttps://papost.org/category/state-of-the-state/
State of the State is a weekly podcast from PA Post — designed to keep you up to date on what’s happening in the state Capitol, but with a depth you don’t always get from the daily news.Tue, 27 Aug 2019 19:00:08 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.11State of the State is a weekly podcast from PA Post — designed to keep you up to date on what’s happening in the state Capitol, but with a depth you don’t always get from the daily news. Host Katie Meyer, who reports on Pennsylvania politics for NPR stations across the commonwealth, takes you behind the headlines with in-depth conversations about the latest news, featuring a rotating panel of guests.PA PostcleanepisodicPA Postpodcast@papost.orgpodcast@papost.org (PA Post)PA PostState of the Statehttps://features.witf.org/sots/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/powerpress/SOTS_Podcast_3000x3000.jpghttps://papost.org/category/state-of-the-state/
podcast@papost.orgTV-GHarrisburg, PennsylvaniaWeeklyEpisode 42: The never-ending quest to kill property taxeshttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-42-the-never-ending-quest-to-kill-property-taxes/
Tue, 27 Aug 2019 19:00:08 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=156https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-42-the-never-ending-quest-to-kill-property-taxes/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-42-the-never-ending-quest-to-kill-property-taxes/feed/0a The commonwealth’s lawmakers are still on their summer recess for another month. But a few are already laying out plans for their return—some more ambitious than others. One of those ambitious legislators? Frank Ryan. He’s a second-term Republican who represents part of Lebanon County and wants to get rid of property taxes once … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-42-the-never-ending-quest-to-kill-property-taxes/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 42: The never-ending quest to kill property taxes"</span></a></p>a

The commonwealth’s lawmakers are still on their summer recess for another month. But a few are already laying out plans for their return—some more ambitious than others.

One of those ambitious legislators? Frank Ryan. He’s a second-term Republican who represents part of Lebanon County and wants to get rid of property taxes once and for all.

Harrisburg lawmakers have dreamed of getting rid of property taxes for years. The problem is, the revenue to fund public schools would then have to come from somewhere else. And the legislature hasn’t been able to agree on a substitute.

Ryan is taking a different route than most of the people who have tried to tackle the taxes.

His plan, which isn’t introduced yet, would leverage local sales and personal income taxes. And most crucially, it would put an almost five percent tax on all retirement income, except Social Security.

Ryan likes to remind people, he’s 68. His own taxes will go up under his plan, and he thinks that means he’s one of the only people who could get away with proposing something like this.

But will still be very, very difficult for him to get traction.

On this week’s episode, we look into the recent history of the property tax problem, and talk about some of the options lawmakers have suggested for alternative revenue.

]]>a The commonwealth’s lawmakers are still on their summer recess for another month. But a few are already laying out plans for their return—some more ambitious than others. One of those ambitious legislators? Frank Ryan.a The commonwealth’s lawmakers are still on their summer recess for another month. But a few are already laying out plans for their return—some more ambitious than others. One of those ambitious legislators? Frank Ryan. He’s a second-term Republican who represents part of Lebanon County and wants to get rid of property taxes once … Continue reading "Episode 42: The never-ending quest to kill property taxes"PA PostcleanEpisode 41: Pennsylvania’s big gun debatehttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-41-pennsylvanias-big-gun-debate/
Mon, 12 Aug 2019 19:39:24 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=151https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-41-pennsylvanias-big-gun-debate/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-41-pennsylvanias-big-gun-debate/feed/0Much of this week’s political conversation has been dominated by questions about guns. Questions like, who should be able to use them? What characteristics should we should allow them to have? And is it ever OK for the government to be able to take them away? The weekend of August 3rd saw two major shootings. One … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-41-pennsylvanias-big-gun-debate/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 41: Pennsylvania’s big gun debate"</span></a></p>Much of this week’s political conversation has been dominated by questions about guns. Questions like, who should be able to use them? What characteristics should we should allow them to have? And is it ever OK for the government to be able to take them away?

The weekend of August 3rd saw two major shootings. One at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, in which 22 people were killed, and another in on a busy street in Dayton, Ohio that killed nine.

In Pennsylvania and across the country, there’s come to be a sort of standard political response to mass shootings. Politicians and others who oppose the relatively unrestricted access Americans have to guns, turn out en masse in protest.

These post-shooting protests all tend to look the same, and for good reason: gun laws haven’t really changed in a long time.

However, there have been some small—but notable—shifts in the conversation in the commonwealth.

PA Post reporters Emily Previti and Ed Mahon join us on this week’s podcast to explain.

]]>Much of this week’s political conversation has been dominated by questions about guns. Questions like, who should be able to use them? What characteristics should we should allow them to have? And is it ever OK for the government to be able to take the...Much of this week’s political conversation has been dominated by questions about guns. Questions like, who should be able to use them? What characteristics should we should allow them to have? And is it ever OK for the government to be able to take them away? The weekend of August 3rd saw two major shootings. One … Continue reading "Episode 41: Pennsylvania’s big gun debate"PA PostcleanEpisode 40: Congressional cashhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-40-congressional-cash/
Mon, 05 Aug 2019 09:00:24 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=147https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-40-congressional-cash/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-40-congressional-cash/feed/0The 2020 election is still more than a year away, but Pennsylvania’s eighteen congress women and men are already well into the fundraising that they hope is going to get them another two-year term. This week, we took a look at the quarterly reports the commonwealth’s incumbents and challengers have been filing to see how … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-40-congressional-cash/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 40: Congressional cash"</span></a></p>The 2020 election is still more than a year away, but Pennsylvania’s eighteen congress women and men are already well into the fundraising that they hope is going to get them another two-year term.
This week, we took a look at the quarterly reports the commonwealth’s incumbents and challengers have been filing to see how they’re doing. On this episode, we’ll brief you on those findings, and on which races you should be watching for potential flips.
We’ll also recap a rare town hall one of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable incumbents recently held. Scott Perry, a conservative who has represented the 10th congressional since 2013, found himself with a much more liberal district after a map-redrawing last year. After squeaking by against a mostly unknown challenger in 2018, Perry is trying to connect with his more liberal constituents. If his recent town hall is any indicator, results have been mixed.
PA Post reporters Emily Previti and Ed Mahon join us to explain it all.
]]>The 2020 election is still more than a year away, but Pennsylvania’s eighteen congress women and men are already well into the fundraising that they hope is going to get them another two-year term. This week,The 2020 election is still more than a year away, but Pennsylvania’s eighteen congress women and men are already well into the fundraising that they hope is going to get them another two-year term. This week, we took a look at the quarterly reports the commonwealth’s incumbents and challengers have been filing to see how … Continue reading "Episode 40: Congressional cash"PA PostcleanEpisode 39: There’s a reason PA’s congressional maps are weirdhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-39-theres-a-reason-pas-congressional-maps-are-weird/
Tue, 16 Jul 2019 18:32:25 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=143https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-39-theres-a-reason-pas-congressional-maps-are-weird/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-39-theres-a-reason-pas-congressional-maps-are-weird/feed/0By just about every measurement you can make, Pennsylvania is particularly susceptible to gerrymandering. At least, that was PA Post reporter Emily Previti’s conclusion after taking an extremely detailed look at the factors that lead to gerrymandering in various states. Pennsylvania is one of the only states that doesn’t have standards like compactness or contiguity … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-39-theres-a-reason-pas-congressional-maps-are-weird/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 39: There’s a reason PA’s congressional maps are weird"</span></a></p>By just about every measurement you can make, Pennsylvania is particularly susceptible to gerrymandering.

At least, that was PA Post reporter Emily Previti’s conclusion after taking an extremely detailed look at the factors that lead to gerrymandering in various states.

Pennsylvania is one of the only states that doesn’t have standards like compactness or contiguity baked into its congressional reapportionment rules. Its campaign finance laws are opaque, it doesn’t allow open primaries, and it doesn’t let voters decide policy by ballot referendum.
Emily joins us this episode to explain why these factors, and many others, make the commonwealth vulnerable to partisan mapmaking.

]]>By just about every measurement you can make, Pennsylvania is particularly susceptible to gerrymandering. At least, that was PA Post reporter Emily Previti’s conclusion after taking an extremely detailed look at the factors that lead to gerrymandering ...By just about every measurement you can make, Pennsylvania is particularly susceptible to gerrymandering. At least, that was PA Post reporter Emily Previti’s conclusion after taking an extremely detailed look at the factors that lead to gerrymandering in various states. Pennsylvania is one of the only states that doesn’t have standards like compactness or contiguity … Continue reading "Episode 39: There’s a reason PA’s congressional maps are weird"PA PostcleanEpisode 38: What a state-run insurance marketplace means for youhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-38-what-a-state-run-insurance-marketplace-means-for-you/
Mon, 08 Jul 2019 16:00:31 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=140https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-38-what-a-state-run-insurance-marketplace-means-for-you/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-38-what-a-state-run-insurance-marketplace-means-for-you/feed/0Pennsylvania is officially on track to take over the online marketplace that sells health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act. It’s a move that will give the commonwealth more control of the exchange, and the state is predicting lower premiums, too. WITF health reporter Brett Sholtis joins us this episode to explain how … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-38-what-a-state-run-insurance-marketplace-means-for-you/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 38: What a state-run insurance marketplace means for you"</span></a></p>Pennsylvania is officially on track to take over the online marketplace that sells health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act.

It’s a move that will give the commonwealth more control of the exchange, and the state is predicting lower premiums, too.

WITF health reporter Brett Sholtis joins us this episode to explain how it’s all going to work.

]]>Pennsylvania is officially on track to take over the online marketplace that sells health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act. It’s a move that will give the commonwealth more control of the exchange,Pennsylvania is officially on track to take over the online marketplace that sells health insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act. It’s a move that will give the commonwealth more control of the exchange, and the state is predicting lower premiums, too. WITF health reporter Brett Sholtis joins us this episode to explain how … Continue reading "Episode 38: What a state-run insurance marketplace means for you"PA Postclean17:59Episode 37: The (sometimes tumultuous) path to passing PA’s budgethttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-37-the-sometimes-tumultuous-path-to-passing-pas-budget/
Mon, 01 Jul 2019 20:17:48 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=135https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-37-the-sometimes-tumultuous-path-to-passing-pas-budget/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-37-the-sometimes-tumultuous-path-to-passing-pas-budget/feed/0Pennsylvania officially has a budget for the new fiscal year, and it was—mostly—signed into law two days ahead of deadline. As far as budgets go in Harrisburg, it was a breeze—after all just four years ago, an impasse over funding dragged on for nine months. But still, there were some hiccups this year. An argument … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-37-the-sometimes-tumultuous-path-to-passing-pas-budget/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 37: The (sometimes tumultuous) path to passing PA’s budget"</span></a></p>Pennsylvania officially has a budget for the new fiscal year, and it was—mostly—signed into law two days ahead of deadline.

As far as budgets go in Harrisburg, it was a breeze—after all just four years ago, an impasse over funding dragged on for nine months.

But still, there were some hiccups this year.

An argument over whether to repeal a cash assistance program for the poor led to a rare shouting match on the Senate floor—an incident that has now gone fairly viral online.

The program’s ultimate repeal was a blow to Democrats, who also lost out on priorities like a minimum wage increase, boost to teacher salaries, and a fee for state police coverage.

But Democratic Governor Tom Wolf notes, he and his colleagues did manage to compromise with Republicans on an increase in K-12 education funding, more money for preschools and special education, funding for libraries, a transfer to the Rainy Day fund, and support for domestic violence, child welfare, and intellectual disability programs.

We’ll explain what is and isn’t in the budget, and how the process played out to get to a final deal.

]]>Pennsylvania officially has a budget for the new fiscal year, and it was—mostly—signed into law two days ahead of deadline. As far as budgets go in Harrisburg, it was a breeze—after all just four years ago,Pennsylvania officially has a budget for the new fiscal year, and it was—mostly—signed into law two days ahead of deadline. As far as budgets go in Harrisburg, it was a breeze—after all just four years ago, an impasse over funding dragged on for nine months. But still, there were some hiccups this year. An argument … Continue reading "Episode 37: The (sometimes tumultuous) path to passing PA’s budget"PA PostcleanEpisode 36: We ask the governor your questionshttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-36-we-ask-the-governor-your-questions/
Mon, 24 Jun 2019 14:09:10 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=132https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-36-we-ask-the-governor-your-questions/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-36-we-ask-the-governor-your-questions/feed/0It’s been a busy time in Harrisburg. State lawmakers are hoping negotiations on next year’s budget are wrapped up before the end of this week—and that means in the meantime, there are a lot of balls in the air. On Thursday, Governor Wolf stopped by WITF for a live show produced by Keystone Crossroads, in … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-36-we-ask-the-governor-your-questions/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 36: We ask the governor your questions"</span></a></p>It’s been a busy time in Harrisburg. State lawmakers are hoping negotiations on next year’s budget are wrapped up before the end of this week—and that means in the meantime, there are a lot of balls in the air.
On Thursday, Governor Wolf stopped by WITF for a live show produced by Keystone Crossroads, in partnership with the major public radio stations in Pennsylvania, and PA Post. He took questions on a number of topics, and in this episode, we’ve included some of the newsiest ones.
Hear what the governor has to say about budget-related issues, like negotiations on a higher minimum wage, upgrading voting machines, and deciding the fate of the General Assistance program. Plus, we’ll get into broader conversations, like his pitch to upgrade infrastructure.
The full conversation with Wolf ran a full hour and covered a lot more ground, so if you’re interested you can check out the recorded broadcast here.
]]>It’s been a busy time in Harrisburg. State lawmakers are hoping negotiations on next year’s budget are wrapped up before the end of this week—and that means in the meantime, there are a lot of balls in the air. On Thursday,It’s been a busy time in Harrisburg. State lawmakers are hoping negotiations on next year’s budget are wrapped up before the end of this week—and that means in the meantime, there are a lot of balls in the air. On Thursday, Governor Wolf stopped by WITF for a live show produced by Keystone Crossroads, in … Continue reading "Episode 36: We ask the governor your questions"PA PostcleanEpisode 35: Staying mum on the minimum wagehttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-35-staying-mum-on-the-minimum-wage/
Fri, 14 Jun 2019 19:56:49 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=130https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-35-staying-mum-on-the-minimum-wage/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-35-staying-mum-on-the-minimum-wage/feed/0Lawmakers are busy negotiating the budget for next fiscal year, which starts July 1. By all accounts, things are going relatively well. But a few major proposals are still up in the air. One of those is the minimum wage. Pennsylvania’s wage is at the $7.25 federal minimum—lower than any neighboring state. It’s been a … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-35-staying-mum-on-the-minimum-wage/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 35: Staying mum on the minimum wage"</span></a></p>Lawmakers are busy negotiating the budget for next fiscal year, which starts July 1. By all accounts, things are going relatively well. But a few major proposals are still up in the air.

One of those is the minimum wage.

Pennsylvania’s wage is at the $7.25 federal minimum—lower than any neighboring state. It’s been a sore subject for Democrats for years, but Republicans have, historically, been staunchly against an increase.

This year though, that opposition seems to have thawed slightly. GOP leaders have said they may be open to a modest increase, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have confirmed that talks on the minimum wage are happening in relation to the budget.

It’s still not clear if anything will change. But as negotiations progress, a few potential paths forward have begun to circulate among rank-and-file members.

Marc Levy of the Associated Press joins us this episode to discuss where the issue stands, and where it’s likely to go.

]]>Lawmakers are busy negotiating the budget for next fiscal year, which starts July 1. By all accounts, things are going relatively well. But a few major proposals are still up in the air. One of those is the minimum wage.Lawmakers are busy negotiating the budget for next fiscal year, which starts July 1. By all accounts, things are going relatively well. But a few major proposals are still up in the air. One of those is the minimum wage. Pennsylvania’s wage is at the $7.25 federal minimum—lower than any neighboring state. It’s been a … Continue reading "Episode 35: Staying mum on the minimum wage"PA PostcleanEpisode 34: Telling the story of a Pennsylvania soldier rescued on D-Day +1https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-34-telling-the-story-of-a-pennsylvania-soldier-rescued-on-d-day-1/
Thu, 06 Jun 2019 08:59:35 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=127https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-34-telling-the-story-of-a-pennsylvania-soldier-rescued-on-d-day-1/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-34-telling-the-story-of-a-pennsylvania-soldier-rescued-on-d-day-1/feed/0This week, we’re marking the anniversary of D-Day by investigating a famous photo with a Pennsylvania connection. For months, WITF News Director Tim Lambert has been unraveling the story behind a scene that happened on Omaha Beach in Normandy 75 years ago. It was immortalized in a picture taken on D-Day +1 — June 7th, … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-34-telling-the-story-of-a-pennsylvania-soldier-rescued-on-d-day-1/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 34: Telling the story of a Pennsylvania soldier rescued on D-Day +1"</span></a></p>This week, we’re marking the anniversary of D-Day by investigating a famous photo with a Pennsylvania connection.

For months, WITF News Director Tim Lambert has been unraveling the story behind a scene that happened on Omaha Beach in Normandy 75 years ago. It was immortalized in a picture taken on D-Day +1 — June 7th, 1944. It shows 31-year-old Private First Class Nicholas Russin of Lyndora, Pa. being dragged ashore, clearly half-drowned, under artillery fire.

Tim and a number of historians have been able to figure out the events leading up to that photo, who some of the men pictured were, and what happened to them.

Tim joins us today to explain how he told the story, and why he thinks it’s still important to remember the lessons of D-Day. You can read his full story here.

]]>This week, we’re marking the anniversary of D-Day by investigating a famous photo with a Pennsylvania connection. For months, WITF News Director Tim Lambert has been unraveling the story behind a scene that happened on Omaha Beach in Normandy 75 years ...This week, we’re marking the anniversary of D-Day by investigating a famous photo with a Pennsylvania connection. For months, WITF News Director Tim Lambert has been unraveling the story behind a scene that happened on Omaha Beach in Normandy 75 years ago. It was immortalized in a picture taken on D-Day +1 — June 7th, … Continue reading "Episode 34: Telling the story of a Pennsylvania soldier rescued on D-Day +1"WITFcleanEpisode 33: State forest drilling and the gas cash impassehttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-33-state-forest-drilling-and-the-gas-cash-impasse/
Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:54:28 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=124https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-33-state-forest-drilling-and-the-gas-cash-impasse/#respondhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-33-state-forest-drilling-and-the-gas-cash-impasse/feed/0For months now, Democratic Governor Tom Wolf has been battling Republican lawmakers over how Pennsylvania should fund infrastructure improvements. Wolf wants to implement a $4.5 billion plan funded by a tax on natural gas drillers. Republicans have adamantly opposed such a tax for years, and are casting Wolf’s plan as a nonstarter. Now, two GOP … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-33-state-forest-drilling-and-the-gas-cash-impasse/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 33: State forest drilling and the gas cash impasse"</span></a></p>For months now, Democratic Governor Tom Wolf has been battling Republican lawmakers over how Pennsylvania should fund infrastructure improvements.

Wolf wants to implement a $4.5 billion plan funded by a tax on natural gas drillers. Republicans have adamantly opposed such a tax for years, and are casting Wolf’s plan as a nonstarter.

StateImpact Pennsylvania reporter Marie Cusick joins us for a discussion about the history of forest drilling, the politics behind it, and the reason why it still has an environmental impact even if most of the work happens far underground.

]]>For months now, Democratic Governor Tom Wolf has been battling Republican lawmakers over how Pennsylvania should fund infrastructure improvements. Wolf wants to implement a $4.5 billion plan funded by a tax on natural gas drillers.For months now, Democratic Governor Tom Wolf has been battling Republican lawmakers over how Pennsylvania should fund infrastructure improvements. Wolf wants to implement a $4.5 billion plan funded by a tax on natural gas drillers. Republicans have adamantly opposed such a tax for years, and are casting Wolf’s plan as a nonstarter. Now, two GOP … Continue reading "Episode 33: State forest drilling and the gas cash impasse"WITFcleanEpisode 32: Rachel Carson and the fall and rise of the peregrine falconhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-32-rachel-carson-and-the-fall-and-rise-of-the-peregrine-falcon/
Fri, 24 May 2019 20:37:15 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=121This week on State of the State, we’re celebrating Memorial Day and the return of nice weather with a story about the impact—good and bad—people can have on the natural world. First, a re-airing of a feature on a group of peregrine falcons living on the Rachel Carson State Office Building. Their nest-placement seems fated. … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-32-rachel-carson-and-the-fall-and-rise-of-the-peregrine-falcon/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 32: Rachel Carson and the fall and rise of the peregrine falcon"</span></a></p>This week on State of the State, we’re celebrating Memorial Day and the return of nice weather with a story about the impact—good and bad—people can have on the natural world. First, a re-airing of a feature on a group of peregrine falcons living on th...This week on State of the State, we’re celebrating Memorial Day and the return of nice weather with a story about the impact—good and bad—people can have on the natural world. First, a re-airing of a feature on a group of peregrine falcons living on the Rachel Carson State Office Building. Their nest-placement seems fated. … Continue reading "Episode 32: Rachel Carson and the fall and rise of the peregrine falcon"PA PostcleanEpisode 31: The abortion debatehttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-31-the-abortion-debate/
Mon, 20 May 2019 13:27:46 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=119Efforts to seriously curtail abortion in Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, Ohio and other states may have dominated the news the last few days, but here in Pennsylvania, state lawmakers have been busy moving their own proposed restriction on the procedure. The bill in question passed the House on about a week ago. It would ban abortions … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-31-the-abortion-debate/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 31: The abortion debate"</span></a></p>Efforts to seriously curtail abortion in Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, Ohio and other states may have dominated the news the last few days, but here in Pennsylvania, state lawmakers have been busy moving their own proposed restriction on the procedure.Efforts to seriously curtail abortion in Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, Ohio and other states may have dominated the news the last few days, but here in Pennsylvania, state lawmakers have been busy moving their own proposed restriction on the procedure. The bill in question passed the House on about a week ago. It would ban abortions … Continue reading "Episode 31: The abortion debate"PA PostcleanEpisode 30: More thoughts on gunshttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-30-more-thoughts-on-guns/
Thu, 09 May 2019 19:50:21 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=116This week, the state Capitol hosted hundreds of gun rights supporters for an annual event they call the Rally to Protect Your Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Over the years, there have been lots of efforts to tighten Pennsylvania’s gun laws—like creating universal background checks, starting a gun registry, or banning bump stocks—accessories that … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-30-more-thoughts-on-guns/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 30: More thoughts on guns"</span></a></p>This week, the state Capitol hosted hundreds of gun rights supporters for an annual event they call the Rally to Protect Your Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Over the years, there have been lots of efforts to tighten Pennsylvania’s gun laws—like creating ...This week, the state Capitol hosted hundreds of gun rights supporters for an annual event they call the Rally to Protect Your Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Over the years, there have been lots of efforts to tighten Pennsylvania’s gun laws—like creating universal background checks, starting a gun registry, or banning bump stocks—accessories that … Continue reading "Episode 30: More thoughts on guns"PA PostcleanEpisode 29: Moving the needle on criminal justicehttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-29-moving-the-needle-on-criminal-justice/
Thu, 02 May 2019 20:56:04 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=113Last legislative session, Pennsylvania’s General Assembly came to a rare, bipartisan consensus on criminal justice and passed the Clean Slate Act–a measure that helps former inmates get their records expunged. Now, the House and Senate are trying to move the needle on other criminal justice bills. This morning on Smart Talk, we’re spending the hour … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-29-moving-the-needle-on-criminal-justice/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 29: Moving the needle on criminal justice"</span></a></p>Last legislative session, Pennsylvania’s General Assembly came to a rare, bipartisan consensus on criminal justice and passed the Clean Slate Act–a measure that helps former inmates get their records expunged. Now,Last legislative session, Pennsylvania’s General Assembly came to a rare, bipartisan consensus on criminal justice and passed the Clean Slate Act–a measure that helps former inmates get their records expunged. Now, the House and Senate are trying to move the needle on other criminal justice bills. This morning on Smart Talk, we’re spending the hour … Continue reading "Episode 29: Moving the needle on criminal justice"PA PostcleanEpisode 28: Is Marsy’s Law an obvious fix, or a well-intentioned mistake?https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-28-is-marsys-law-an-obvious-fix-or-a-well-intentioned-mistake/
Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:48:18 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=111Last week, House lawmakers got together in the Capitol rotunda to celebrate passing a slate of bills intended to protect crime victims. A couple of them look to reform the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases. Others would allow certain victims to submit out-of-court statements instead of testifying in person. One is actually … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-28-is-marsys-law-an-obvious-fix-or-a-well-intentioned-mistake/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 28: Is Marsy’s Law an obvious fix, or a well-intentioned mistake?"</span></a></p>Last week, House lawmakers got together in the Capitol rotunda to celebrate passing a slate of bills intended to protect crime victims. A couple of them look to reform the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases.Last week, House lawmakers got together in the Capitol rotunda to celebrate passing a slate of bills intended to protect crime victims. A couple of them look to reform the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases. Others would allow certain victims to submit out-of-court statements instead of testifying in person. One is actually … Continue reading "Episode 28: Is Marsy’s Law an obvious fix, or a well-intentioned mistake?"PA Postclean21:53Episode 27: Where did this bill come from?https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-27-where-did-this-bill-come-from/
Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:47:19 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=108This week, we’re taking a look at one of the most fundamental processes that happens in the state capitol: bills. More specifically, how they get drafted and circulated among state lawmakers, and where they come from.This week, we’re taking a look at one of the most fundamental processes that happens in the state capitol: bills. More specifically, how they get drafted and circulated among state lawmakers, and where they come from.This week, we’re taking a look at one of the most fundamental processes that happens in the state capitol: bills. More specifically, how they get drafted and circulated among state lawmakers, and where they come from.PA Postclean20:10Episode 26: To kill or not to kill the electoral collegehttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-25-to-kill-or-not-to-kill-the-electoral-college/
Mon, 08 Apr 2019 20:45:20 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=104If you’re a person who is already invested in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, you may have noticed a sort of left-field issue getting a bit of press: abolishing the electoral college. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren called to dissolve the college in a recent town hall in Mississippi, saying it gives outsize electoral … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-25-to-kill-or-not-to-kill-the-electoral-college/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 26: To kill or not to kill the electoral college"</span></a></p>If you’re a person who is already invested in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, you may have noticed a sort of left-field issue getting a bit of press: abolishing the electoral college. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren called to disso...If you’re a person who is already invested in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, you may have noticed a sort of left-field issue getting a bit of press: abolishing the electoral college. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren called to dissolve the college in a recent town hall in Mississippi, saying it gives outsize electoral … Continue reading "Episode 26: To kill or not to kill the electoral college"PA PostcleanThree Mile Island: As It Happened Part 3https://features.witf.org/sots/three-mile-island-as-it-happened-part-3/
Wed, 27 Mar 2019 19:13:07 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=101Stepping back from the precipice: When April Fool’s day rolls around, people across central Pennsylvania aren’t in much of a joking mood. The crisis at TMI threatens to turn into a full-scale disaster. But, a visit from President Jimmy Carter and some good fortune appear to turn the tide.Stepping back from the precipice: When April Fool’s day rolls around, people across central Pennsylvania aren’t in much of a joking mood. The crisis at TMI threatens to turn into a full-scale disaster. But,Stepping back from the precipice: When April Fool’s day rolls around, people across central Pennsylvania aren’t in much of a joking mood. The crisis at TMI threatens to turn into a full-scale disaster. But, a visit from President Jimmy Carter and some good fortune appear to turn the tide.WITF, PennLive and PA PostcleanThree Mile Island: As It Happened Part 2https://features.witf.org/sots/three-mile-island-as-it-happened-part-2/
Wed, 27 Mar 2019 19:12:44 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=99By mid-afternoon on March 28, 1979, people who live near the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant aren’t getting much information as they wonder if they’ve been exposed to too much radiation. Many find themselves facing a difficult decision: Wait out the crisis or evacuate.By mid-afternoon on March 28, 1979, people who live near the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant aren’t getting much information as they wonder if they’ve been exposed to too much radiation. Many find themselves facing a difficult decision: Wait out ...By mid-afternoon on March 28, 1979, people who live near the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant aren’t getting much information as they wonder if they’ve been exposed to too much radiation. Many find themselves facing a difficult decision: Wait out the crisis or evacuate.WITF, PennLive and PA PostcleanThree Mile Island: As It Happened Part 1https://features.witf.org/sots/three-mile-island-as-it-happened-part-1/
Wed, 27 Mar 2019 19:11:58 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=97At 7:24 a.m., on Wednesday, March 28, 1979, something goes terribly wrong at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Middletown, Dauphin County. What unfolds over the next few hours is chaos and confusion as people are confronted with a partial meltdown in TMI’s Unit 2 reactor.At 7:24 a.m., on Wednesday, March 28, 1979, something goes terribly wrong at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Middletown, Dauphin County. What unfolds over the next few hours is chaos and confusion as people are confronted with a partial me...At 7:24 a.m., on Wednesday, March 28, 1979, something goes terribly wrong at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Middletown, Dauphin County. What unfolds over the next few hours is chaos and confusion as people are confronted with a partial meltdown in TMI’s Unit 2 reactor.WITF, PennLive and PA PostcleanEpisode 25: To nuke, or not to nukehttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-25-to-nuke-or-not-to-nuke/
Fri, 15 Mar 2019 12:56:44 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=91This week, state lawmakers waded into a fraught, long-anticipated debate over whether to prop up two of the commonwealth’s five nuclear power plants. One is the Beaver Valley plant near Pittsburgh. The other is Dauphin County’s Three Mile Island, which—you may have heard—partially melted down in 1979 and helped instill a lasting wariness toward nuclear … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-25-to-nuke-or-not-to-nuke/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 25: To nuke, or not to nuke"</span></a></p>This week, state lawmakers waded into a fraught, long-anticipated debate over whether to prop up two of the commonwealth’s five nuclear power plants. One is the Beaver Valley plant near Pittsburgh. The other is Dauphin County’s Three Mile Island,This week, state lawmakers waded into a fraught, long-anticipated debate over whether to prop up two of the commonwealth’s five nuclear power plants. One is the Beaver Valley plant near Pittsburgh. The other is Dauphin County’s Three Mile Island, which—you may have heard—partially melted down in 1979 and helped instill a lasting wariness toward nuclear … Continue reading "Episode 25: To nuke, or not to nuke"PA PostcleanEpisode 24: The neighborhood beneath the Capitolhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-24-the-neighborhood-beneath-the-capitol/
Mon, 11 Mar 2019 12:36:12 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=88Harrisburg has been the seat of Pennsylvania’s government since 1812, and the current Capitol building has been in use since 1906. In the first couple decades of the 20th century, the complex and its grounds were being expanded into what we know today. And as that was happening, there was a casualty. An entire city … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-24-the-neighborhood-beneath-the-capitol/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 24: The neighborhood beneath the Capitol"</span></a></p>Harrisburg has been the seat of Pennsylvania’s government since 1812, and the current Capitol building has been in use since 1906. In the first couple decades of the 20th century, the complex and its grounds were being expanded into what we know today....Harrisburg has been the seat of Pennsylvania’s government since 1812, and the current Capitol building has been in use since 1906. In the first couple decades of the 20th century, the complex and its grounds were being expanded into what we know today. And as that was happening, there was a casualty. An entire city … Continue reading "Episode 24: The neighborhood beneath the Capitol"PA PostcleanEpisode 23: The greatest hits of Budget Hearings 2K19https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-23-the-greatest-hits-of-budget-hearings-2k19/
Mon, 04 Mar 2019 14:16:13 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=86State lawmakers are in the middle of a long series of hearings on the budgets for Pennsylvania’s many agencies. It’s a time for them to grill secretaries on what’s working, what’s not, and how money is being spent. And it gives agency heads a chance to lobby for more funding. So this week, we’re recapping … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-23-the-greatest-hits-of-budget-hearings-2k19/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 23: The greatest hits of Budget Hearings 2K19"</span></a></p>State lawmakers are in the middle of a long series of hearings on the budgets for Pennsylvania’s many agencies. It’s a time for them to grill secretaries on what’s working, what’s not, and how money is being spent.State lawmakers are in the middle of a long series of hearings on the budgets for Pennsylvania’s many agencies. It’s a time for them to grill secretaries on what’s working, what’s not, and how money is being spent. And it gives agency heads a chance to lobby for more funding. So this week, we’re recapping … Continue reading "Episode 23: The greatest hits of Budget Hearings 2K19"PA PostcleanEpisode 22: Why PA’s prison system is changing mail policies. Again.https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-22-why-pas-prison-system-is-changing-mail-policies-again/
Tue, 26 Feb 2019 14:22:19 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=83The commonwealth’s prison system just settled a federal lawsuit over mail policies in its prisons. It’s a big win for public defenders and nonprofit groups that represent inmates, and it’s a milestone after months of controversy and speculation about a raft of new security measures the Department of Corrections put in place last fall. To … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-22-why-pas-prison-system-is-changing-mail-policies-again/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 22: Why PA’s prison system is changing mail policies. Again."</span></a></p>The commonwealth’s prison system just settled a federal lawsuit over mail policies in its prisons. It’s a big win for public defenders and nonprofit groups that represent inmates, and it’s a milestone after months of controversy and speculation about a...The commonwealth’s prison system just settled a federal lawsuit over mail policies in its prisons. It’s a big win for public defenders and nonprofit groups that represent inmates, and it’s a milestone after months of controversy and speculation about a raft of new security measures the Department of Corrections put in place last fall. To … Continue reading "Episode 22: Why PA’s prison system is changing mail policies. Again."PA PostcleanEpisode 21: Mary Jane’s first chancehttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-21-mary-janes-first-chance/
Mon, 18 Feb 2019 15:36:13 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=79This week, we go deep on the start of Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman’s marijuana legalization listening tour. Fetterman is a week into his trip, and plans to eventually visit all 67 counties to hear how they feel about recreational pot. His first stop was Harrisburg. The crowd of a few hundred was more amenable to … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-21-mary-janes-first-chance/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 21: Mary Jane’s first chance"</span></a></p>This week, we go deep on the start of Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman’s marijuana legalization listening tour. Fetterman is a week into his trip, and plans to eventually visit all 67 counties to hear how they feel about recreational pot.This week, we go deep on the start of Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman’s marijuana legalization listening tour. Fetterman is a week into his trip, and plans to eventually visit all 67 counties to hear how they feel about recreational pot. His first stop was Harrisburg. The crowd of a few hundred was more amenable to … Continue reading "Episode 21: Mary Jane’s first chance"WITFcleanEpisode 20: Budget season is back, babyhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-20-budget-season-is-back-baby/
Fri, 08 Feb 2019 21:04:11 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=76Governor Tom Wolf gave his annual budget address Tuesday, officially kicking off the next several months of negotiations between himself and the Republican-controlled legislature. This is the governor’s fifth year in office, and his fifth budget. In the past, his initial proposals have gotten reactions ranging from derision to outrage from the House and Senate. … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-20-budget-season-is-back-baby/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 20: Budget season is back, baby"</span></a></p>Governor Tom Wolf gave his annual budget address Tuesday, officially kicking off the next several months of negotiations between himself and the Republican-controlled legislature. This is the governor’s fifth year in office, and his fifth budget.Governor Tom Wolf gave his annual budget address Tuesday, officially kicking off the next several months of negotiations between himself and the Republican-controlled legislature. This is the governor’s fifth year in office, and his fifth budget. In the past, his initial proposals have gotten reactions ranging from derision to outrage from the House and Senate. … Continue reading "Episode 20: Budget season is back, baby"PA PostcleanEpisode 19: New-session pandemoniumhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-19-new-session-pandemonium/
Fri, 01 Feb 2019 13:01:07 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=74The legislative session is finally kicking off in earnest, and lawmakers seem to be taking that as a cue to launch as many initiatives as they can, as fast as they can. This week, we’ll explain three divisive (and perennial) causes Governor Tom Wolf is throwing his weight behind: gun control, a minimum wage hike, … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-19-new-session-pandemonium/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 19: New-session pandemonium"</span></a></p>The legislative session is finally kicking off in earnest, and lawmakers seem to be taking that as a cue to launch as many initiatives as they can, as fast as they can. This week, we’ll explain three divisive (and perennial) causes Governor Tom Wolf is...The legislative session is finally kicking off in earnest, and lawmakers seem to be taking that as a cue to launch as many initiatives as they can, as fast as they can. This week, we’ll explain three divisive (and perennial) causes Governor Tom Wolf is throwing his weight behind: gun control, a minimum wage hike, … Continue reading "Episode 19: New-session pandemonium"PA PostcleanEpisode 18: A hole in a yard and a death overseashttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-18-a-hole-in-a-yard-and-a-death-overseas/
Thu, 24 Jan 2019 22:07:14 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=70This has been a quiet week in the state Capitol. Lawmakers are lying low, introducing legislation, and prepping for their first real session days in the coming week. But life goes on outside Harrisburg. This week, we’re bringing you two stories. One is about a festering conflict between a neighborhood and a massive gas company. … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-18-a-hole-in-a-yard-and-a-death-overseas/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 18: A hole in a yard and a death overseas"</span></a></p>This has been a quiet week in the state Capitol. Lawmakers are lying low, introducing legislation, and prepping for their first real session days in the coming week. But life goes on outside Harrisburg. This week, we’re bringing you two stories.This has been a quiet week in the state Capitol. Lawmakers are lying low, introducing legislation, and prepping for their first real session days in the coming week. But life goes on outside Harrisburg. This week, we’re bringing you two stories. One is about a festering conflict between a neighborhood and a massive gas company. … Continue reading "Episode 18: A hole in a yard and a death overseas"PA PostcleanEpisode 17: An inauguration, an interminable shutdown, and teachers with(out) gunshttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-17-an-inauguration-an-interminable-shutdown-and-teachers-without-guns/
Fri, 18 Jan 2019 13:51:08 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=67Tom Wolf has been sworn in for his second—and final—term as Pennsylvania’s governor. Wolf gave a low-key inaugural address, touting the bipartisan successes of his first four years in office and urging his fellow lawmakers to find common ground despite their often-intractable differences. There weren’t a lot of policy specifics—Wolf seems to be saving those … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-17-an-inauguration-an-interminable-shutdown-and-teachers-without-guns/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 17: An inauguration, an interminable shutdown, and teachers with(out) guns"</span></a></p>Tom Wolf has been sworn in for his second—and final—term as Pennsylvania’s governor. Wolf gave a low-key inaugural address, touting the bipartisan successes of his first four years in office and urging his fellow lawmakers to find common ground despite...Tom Wolf has been sworn in for his second—and final—term as Pennsylvania’s governor. Wolf gave a low-key inaugural address, touting the bipartisan successes of his first four years in office and urging his fellow lawmakers to find common ground despite their often-intractable differences. There weren’t a lot of policy specifics—Wolf seems to be saving those … Continue reading "Episode 17: An inauguration, an interminable shutdown, and teachers with(out) guns"PA PostcleanEpisode 16: So, you want to be a farmer?https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-16-so-you-want-to-be-a-farmer/
Fri, 11 Jan 2019 02:39:58 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=63Picture a farmer. If you’re like a lot of people, the first thing that popped into your brain might have been a man in overalls and a big hat, maybe standing in a field, possibly on the older side. Of course, you know that’s a caricature. Anyone can be a farmer. Still, the image of … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-16-so-you-want-to-be-a-farmer/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 16: So, you want to be a farmer?"</span></a></p>Picture a farmer. If you’re like a lot of people, the first thing that popped into your brain might have been a man in overalls and a big hat, maybe standing in a field, possibly on the older side. Of course, you know that’s a caricature.Picture a farmer. If you’re like a lot of people, the first thing that popped into your brain might have been a man in overalls and a big hat, maybe standing in a field, possibly on the older side. Of course, you know that’s a caricature. Anyone can be a farmer. Still, the image of … Continue reading "Episode 16: So, you want to be a farmer?"PA Postclean23:05Episode 15: Session begins anewhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-15-session-begins-anew/
Fri, 04 Jan 2019 19:18:19 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=61A new legislative session is dawning in Harrisburg, and with that comes a lot of change. This week, the state Capitol was flooded with family and friends and supporters of dozens of new lawmakers, as they were sworn in for the next two years. The House and Senate also approved a whole bunch of changes … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-15-session-begins-anew/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 15: Session begins anew"</span></a></p>A new legislative session is dawning in Harrisburg, and with that comes a lot of change. This week, the state Capitol was flooded with family and friends and supporters of dozens of new lawmakers, as they were sworn in for the next two years.A new legislative session is dawning in Harrisburg, and with that comes a lot of change. This week, the state Capitol was flooded with family and friends and supporters of dozens of new lawmakers, as they were sworn in for the next two years. The House and Senate also approved a whole bunch of changes … Continue reading "Episode 15: Session begins anew"PA PostcleanEpisode 14: Looking back at a very political 2018https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-14-looking-back-at-a-very-political-2018/
Fri, 28 Dec 2018 16:17:17 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=58Joining us this week to recap all the greatest state politics hits of 2018, and to give some previews of what’s ahead, are Marc Levy of the AP and Liz Navratil of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.Joining us this week to recap all the greatest state politics hits of 2018, and to give some previews of what’s ahead, are Marc Levy of the AP and Liz Navratil of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.Joining us this week to recap all the greatest state politics hits of 2018, and to give some previews of what’s ahead, are Marc Levy of the AP and Liz Navratil of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.PA Postclean22:15Episode 13: The business of Christmashttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-13-the-business-of-christmas/
Fri, 21 Dec 2018 13:40:09 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=55Did you know Pennsylvania is the fourth-biggest producer of Christmas trees in the country? About a million are cut and sold here every year. So, we figured, now is a good time to learn a little more about one of the commonwealth’s most festive industries. To do that, we headed out to Annville, about 20 … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-13-the-business-of-christmas/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 13: The business of Christmas"</span></a></p>Did you know Pennsylvania is the fourth-biggest producer of Christmas trees in the country? About a million are cut and sold here every year. So, we figured, now is a good time to learn a little more about one of the commonwealth’s most festive industr...Did you know Pennsylvania is the fourth-biggest producer of Christmas trees in the country? About a million are cut and sold here every year. So, we figured, now is a good time to learn a little more about one of the commonwealth’s most festive industries. To do that, we headed out to Annville, about 20 … Continue reading "Episode 13: The business of Christmas"PA PostcleanEpisode 12: The price of election securityhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-12-the-price-of-election-security/
Fri, 14 Dec 2018 03:25:58 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=52Pennsylvania’s voting machines are old, as far as election equipment goes. Most of them came online around 2006 when the state got an influx of federal cash to replace even older ones. Counties are in charge of buying and maintaining the very expensive machines, so there is a wide range of models across the state. … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-12-the-price-of-election-security/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 12: The price of election security"</span></a></p>Pennsylvania’s voting machines are old, as far as election equipment goes. Most of them came online around 2006 when the state got an influx of federal cash to replace even older ones. Counties are in charge of buying and maintaining the very expensive...Pennsylvania’s voting machines are old, as far as election equipment goes. Most of them came online around 2006 when the state got an influx of federal cash to replace even older ones. Counties are in charge of buying and maintaining the very expensive machines, so there is a wide range of models across the state. … Continue reading "Episode 12: The price of election security"PA PostcleanEpisode 11: Taxing the open roadhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-11-taxing-the-open-road/
Fri, 07 Dec 2018 17:20:21 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=50If you’ve driven on the Pennsylvania Turnpike recently, you may have noticed, the tolls are high. This year, it cost the average turnpike driver $1.30 to go through a toll if they were using an EZ Pass, and $2.10 if they paid cash. Next year, that’ll go up eight cents for EZ Pass users, and … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-11-taxing-the-open-road/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 11: Taxing the open road"</span></a></p>If you’ve driven on the Pennsylvania Turnpike recently, you may have noticed, the tolls are high. This year, it cost the average turnpike driver $1.30 to go through a toll if they were using an EZ Pass, and $2.10 if they paid cash. Next year,If you’ve driven on the Pennsylvania Turnpike recently, you may have noticed, the tolls are high. This year, it cost the average turnpike driver $1.30 to go through a toll if they were using an EZ Pass, and $2.10 if they paid cash. Next year, that’ll go up eight cents for EZ Pass users, and … Continue reading "Episode 11: Taxing the open road"PA PostcleanEpisode 10: It ain’t easy voting absenteehttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-10-it-aint-easy-voting-absentee/
Fri, 30 Nov 2018 13:29:11 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=47Pennsylvania has the tightest absentee ballot law in the country. Where most states allow them to be postmarked by Election Day, the commonwealth denies any ballot that doesn’t arrive at its county election office by the Friday before the election. It allows ballots to be sent out to voters just a few days before that—which … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-10-it-aint-easy-voting-absentee/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 10: It ain’t easy voting absentee"</span></a></p>Pennsylvania has the tightest absentee ballot law in the country. Where most states allow them to be postmarked by Election Day, the commonwealth denies any ballot that doesn’t arrive at its county election office by the Friday before the election.Pennsylvania has the tightest absentee ballot law in the country. Where most states allow them to be postmarked by Election Day, the commonwealth denies any ballot that doesn’t arrive at its county election office by the Friday before the election. It allows ballots to be sent out to voters just a few days before that—which … Continue reading "Episode 10: It ain’t easy voting absentee"PA PostcleanEpisode 9: PA’s mental healthcare approach has problems (a series)https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-9-pas-mental-healthcare-approach-has-problems-a-series/
Fri, 16 Nov 2018 01:31:26 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=44WITF, Transforming Health, and PA Post are launching a series on mental health called Through the Cracks. Over a number of months, we’ll be covering the realities of people who live with mental illness, the stigmas involved, and how public policy can help—or, often, hurt—vulnerable people. The first installment was reported by Brett Sholtis, who … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-9-pas-mental-healthcare-approach-has-problems-a-series/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 9: PA’s mental healthcare approach has problems (a series)"</span></a></p>WITF, Transforming Health, and PA Post are launching a series on mental health called Through the Cracks. Over a number of months, we’ll be covering the realities of people who live with mental illness, the stigmas involved,WITF, Transforming Health, and PA Post are launching a series on mental health called Through the Cracks. Over a number of months, we’ll be covering the realities of people who live with mental illness, the stigmas involved, and how public policy can help—or, often, hurt—vulnerable people. The first installment was reported by Brett Sholtis, who … Continue reading "Episode 9: PA’s mental healthcare approach has problems (a series)"PA PostcleanEpisode 8: The election is over; what lies ahead for Pennsylvania?https://features.witf.org/sots/40-2/
Fri, 09 Nov 2018 18:11:37 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=40The election is over, and you may have heard, Pennsylvania Democrats picked up some new congressional seats–and helped flip the U.S. House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Democrats in the state House and Senate also made progress. The Senate flipped at least five seats and ended a Republican supermajority–and the House snagged at least eleven–thought to be … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/40-2/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 8: The election is over; what lies ahead for Pennsylvania?"</span></a></p>The election is over, and you may have heard, Pennsylvania Democrats picked up some new congressional seats–and helped flip the U.S. House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Democrats in the state House and Senate also made progress.The election is over, and you may have heard, Pennsylvania Democrats picked up some new congressional seats–and helped flip the U.S. House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Democrats in the state House and Senate also made progress. The Senate flipped at least five seats and ended a Republican supermajority–and the House snagged at least eleven–thought to be … Continue reading "Episode 8: The election is over; what lies ahead for Pennsylvania?"PA PostcleanEpisode 7: Pittsburghhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-7-pittsburgh/
Fri, 02 Nov 2018 12:45:06 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=38On Saturday, eleven people were murdered in a Pittsburgh synagogue, and six others were injured. A man named Robert Bowers was arrested and has been charged with anti-Semitic hate crimes. He has pleaded not guilty. In the days since, members of Pittsburgh’s robust Jewish community have been grappling with the sudden deaths of their own, … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-7-pittsburgh/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 7: Pittsburgh"</span></a></p>On Saturday, eleven people were murdered in a Pittsburgh synagogue, and six others were injured. A man named Robert Bowers was arrested and has been charged with anti-Semitic hate crimes. He has pleaded not guilty. In the days since,On Saturday, eleven people were murdered in a Pittsburgh synagogue, and six others were injured. A man named Robert Bowers was arrested and has been charged with anti-Semitic hate crimes. He has pleaded not guilty. In the days since, members of Pittsburgh’s robust Jewish community have been grappling with the sudden deaths of their own, … Continue reading "Episode 7: Pittsburgh"PA PostcleanEpisode 6: Countdown to the midtermshttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-6-countdown-to-the-midterms/
Fri, 26 Oct 2018 12:36:11 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=34At the time of this podcast recording, we’re less than two weeks from an important election. Nationally, Democrats are trying to take back the congressional majority—and Pennsylvania is a huge part of that effort. This week, WITF and Keystone Crossroads reporter Emily Previti joins us to explain how voter registration is shaking out in the … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-6-countdown-to-the-midterms/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 6: Countdown to the midterms"</span></a></p>At the time of this podcast recording, we’re less than two weeks from an important election. Nationally, Democrats are trying to take back the congressional majority—and Pennsylvania is a huge part of that effort. This week,At the time of this podcast recording, we’re less than two weeks from an important election. Nationally, Democrats are trying to take back the congressional majority—and Pennsylvania is a huge part of that effort. This week, WITF and Keystone Crossroads reporter Emily Previti joins us to explain how voter registration is shaking out in the … Continue reading "Episode 6: Countdown to the midterms"PA PostcleanEpisode 5: Legislative session ends, election run-up (and polling) intensifieshttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-5-legislative-session-ends-election-run-up-and-polling-intensifies/
Fri, 19 Oct 2018 12:38:44 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=29The state House and Senate ended their legislative session with a bang Wednesday night. Negotiations on a priority statute of limitations bill—which aimed to make it easier for victims of child sexual abuse to sue abusers—melted down. Plus, polling!The state House and Senate ended their legislative session with a bang Wednesday night. Negotiations on a priority statute of limitations bill—which aimed to make it easier for victims of child sexual abuse to sue abusers—melted down. Plus, polling!The state House and Senate ended their legislative session with a bang Wednesday night. Negotiations on a priority statute of limitations bill—which aimed to make it easier for victims of child sexual abuse to sue abusers—melted down. Plus, polling!PA PostcleanEpisode 4: Congressional races that should be on your radarhttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-4-congressional-races-that-should-be-on-your-radar/
Fri, 12 Oct 2018 13:41:04 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=24Joining us to explain which congressional races to watch is Associated Press political reporter Marc Levy. Public radio reporters Lindsay Lazarski (of WHYY) and An-Li Herring (of WESA) will also give their input on a couple of interesting, individual races they’ve been following.Joining us to explain which congressional races to watch is Associated Press political reporter Marc Levy. Public radio reporters Lindsay Lazarski (of WHYY) and An-Li Herring (of WESA) will also give their input on a couple of interesting,Joining us to explain which congressional races to watch is Associated Press political reporter Marc Levy. Public radio reporters Lindsay Lazarski (of WHYY) and An-Li Herring (of WESA) will also give their input on a couple of interesting, individual races they’ve been following.PA Postclean33:13Episode 3: Does PA owe the poor better criminal defense? An investigation.https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-3-does-pa-owe-the-poor-better-criminal-defense-an-investigation/
Thu, 04 Oct 2018 21:56:28 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=20When it comes to funding public defense for poor—or indigent—people, Pennsylvania is an outlier. The commonwealth leaves that funding totally up to the counties, and provides no statewide oversight. Reporters Emily Previti, Lindsay Lazarski, Annette John-Hall, and Min Xian join us to explain the situation.When it comes to funding public defense for poor—or indigent—people, Pennsylvania is an outlier. The commonwealth leaves that funding totally up to the counties, and provides no statewide oversight. Reporters Emily Previti, Lindsay Lazarski,When it comes to funding public defense for poor—or indigent—people, Pennsylvania is an outlier. The commonwealth leaves that funding totally up to the counties, and provides no statewide oversight. Reporters Emily Previti, Lindsay Lazarski, Annette John-Hall, and Min Xian join us to explain the situation.PA Postclean46:08Episode 2: Prisons, drugs and inmates’ rightshttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-2-prisons-drugs-and-inmates-rights/
Thu, 27 Sep 2018 21:01:45 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=15A look back at a month of changes for the PA Corrections Department. Segments: Corrections Secretary John Wetzel, ACLU PA Legal Director Vic Walczak, and one man who has been experiencing the new rules firsthand, as a visitor to his incarcerated fiancée.A look back at a month of changes for the PA Corrections Department. Segments: Corrections Secretary John Wetzel, ACLU PA Legal Director Vic Walczak, and one man who has been experiencing the new rules firsthand, as a visitor to his incarcerated fiancée.A look back at a month of changes for the PA Corrections Department. Segments: Corrections Secretary John Wetzel, ACLU PA Legal Director Vic Walczak, and one man who has been experiencing the new rules firsthand, as a visitor to his incarcerated fiancée.PA Postclean40:43Episode 1: The Fall Session Beginshttps://features.witf.org/sots/episode-1-the-fall-session-begins/
Thu, 20 Sep 2018 19:30:06 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=10After a long summer recess, the House and Senate are officially returning to Harrisburg on Monday. There won’t be much time for lawmakers to tie up all their loose ends before the session ends and all bills have to be started from scratch. However, there are a couple things that are high on the agenda. … <p class="link-more"><a href="https://features.witf.org/sots/episode-1-the-fall-session-begins/" class="more-link">Continue reading<span class="screen-reader-text"> "Episode 1: The Fall Session Begins"</span></a></p>After a long summer recess, the House and Senate are officially returning to Harrisburg on Monday. There won’t be much time for lawmakers to tie up all their loose ends before the session ends and all bills have to be started from scratch. However,After a long summer recess, the House and Senate are officially returning to Harrisburg on Monday. There won’t be much time for lawmakers to tie up all their loose ends before the session ends and all bills have to be started from scratch. However, there are a couple things that are high on the agenda. … Continue reading "Episode 1: The Fall Session Begins"PA Postclean31:55Welcome to the State of the State Podcasthttps://features.witf.org/sots/welcome-to-the-state-of-the-state-podcast/
Thu, 13 Sep 2018 19:30:44 +0000https://features.witf.org/sots/?p=8Our introductory episode with guest Kathleen Pavelko, President & CEO of WITF.Our introductory episode with guest Kathleen Pavelko, President & CEO of WITF.Our introductory episode with guest Kathleen Pavelko, President & CEO of WITF.PA Postclean7:29